Hand Wrap and Compression Sleeve

ABSTRACT

Tools and techniques for providing protection to a hand and wrist with a hand wrap underlying a glove are presented. A hand wrap may comprise a hand support having a hand grip intended to engage the first of a hand from a palmar side of the hand flush against the underside of the knuckles, and, an elastic tubular liner operatively associated with the hand support. The elastic tubular liner may have a length sufficient to extend beyond an opening of a glove receiving the hand support, such that the tubular liner defines a first layer under the glove, and a second layer overlapping the first layer when folded over. The second layer may receive and sandwich the opening of the glove between the first and second layers of the elastic tubular liner.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/594,048, filed Feb. 2, 2012, entitled “Hand Wrapand Compression Sleeve,” which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a hand wrap and compression sleevefor underlying a glove, and more particularly to a hand wrap andcompression sleeve configured to protect and support the anatomicalfeatures of a hand in a boxing glove during martial arts recreation.

BACKGROUND

A variety of athletic hand wraps are known in the art. Typically, suchhand wraps are worn under a larger glove or boxing glove duringrecreation for protection and support. The hand wrap may protect anathlete's hand from frictional forces arising during sports recreation,for instance, preventing direct contact of the skin against the shiftingof a boxing glove. Hand wraps may also provide structural support forthe bones and tendons in the athlete's hand, as well as protect thewrist and thumb from injury. Commonly, methods for providing hand wrapsmay include temporary dressings, such as athletic tape that is wrappedover the hand prior to recreation and disposed afterward. Other methodsmay include reusable hand wraps comprising multiple feet of resilientcloth, or in some improvements, a shorter and more anatomically shapedhand wrap. Representative devices in the general configuration of thelatter may be seen in Pozzi, U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,267. Although currentmethods may be successful in protecting and supporting the hand, theyalso tend to be cumbersome, time-consuming and expensive. Hand wraps mayunravel if not applied properly or loosen from excessive sweating,thereby decreasing their protective properties and requiring additionaltime, and in some cases material, to repair the hand wrap. Improperfitting may also expose the athlete's hand to bacteria and viruses knownto exist in sports equipment and facilities. Current hand wraps are notknown for providing bacterial protection to a hand for decreasinginfection, or to improve uncomfortable, slippery conditions arising fromsweat. Additionally, current hand wraps limit the ability of the hand toform a complete fist, such that under the additional weight of theglove, the hand and wrist may be prone to sprains or breaks. The handwrap and compression sleeve disclosed herein is intended to overcome oneor more of the problems discussed above, and to provide relatedadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Certain embodiments provide tools and techniques to enable enhancementsin hand wraps underlying a glove for sports recreation. Merely by way ofexample, one set of embodiments provides a hand wrap having a handsupport and elastic tubular liner. An exemplary hand wrap might comprisea hand support having a hand grip configured engage the first of a handreceived within, whereby the hand grip maintains contact with a palmarwidth of the hand directly underside of the knuckles. In an aspect ofsome embodiments, the hand support may have an elastic tubular lineroperatively associated with the hand support. The elastic tubular linermay have a length sufficient to extend beyond an opening of a glovereceiving the hand support, such that the elastic tubular liner maydefine a first layer within the glove and fold over as a second layerover the glove. In some embodiments, the second layer may overlap an endportion of the glove defining the opening of the glove and sandwich theend portion of the glove between the first and second layers of theelastic tubular liner.

In a particular embodiment, the hand support might comprise a pluralityof finger apertures and a thumb aperture. The hand support might furtherbe anatomically shaped to securely fit over a portion of a hand insertedwithin. In some cases, the hand support might comprise knuckle paddingconfigured to engage the knuckles of a hand abutting the support. Thehand support might further comprise at least one layer of foamconfigured to extend along a dorsal surface of the hand support.Additional supportive structures may include, merely by way of example,a horseshoe side splint configured to extend along a dorsal surface,with the side splint having two ends lining either side of a hand witheach end divided by a width of a hand received within, and a thumbsupport configured to extend along a region of the thumb and joint area.The hand support may also provide, in some embodiments, an open palmconfigured to expose a palmar surface of a hand received.

In another embodiment, the elastic tubular liner, also known as thecompression sleeve, may comprise moisture-wicking material along asurface of the layer that is not in contact with the glove and the firstlayer when folded over. The moisture-wicking material may include,merely by way of example, an integrated cotton skin. In otherembodiments, the elastic tubular liner may comprise antimicrobialmaterial along a length of the liner surface, for instance, and merelyby way of example, along a length of the surface in direct contact witha user's skin when in use.

In another particular embodiment of then hand wrap, the hand wrap mightfurther comprise a hand strap operatively associated with the hand wrap,such that with the hand strap wrapped around and secured to a portion ofthe hand wrap, the hand wrap is forcibly attached to a hand receivedtherein.

Another set of embodiments provides methods for protecting a hand andwrist received within a hand wrap for underyling a glove. An exemplarymethod might comprise providing a hand support and elastic tubular lineroperatively associated with the hand support. The hand support mayreceive a hand and engage the first of a hand with a hand grip havingcontact with a palmar width directly underside the knuckles of the handabutting the support. The elastic tubular liner, in an aspect, maycompressively receive a portion of an arm as a first layer, fold over asa second layer overlapping the first layer, and compressively receiveand overlap an end portion of a glove with the second layer. In anaspect of some embodiments, the first and second layers may sandwich theend of portion of the glove defining the opening of the glove.

In another particular embodiment, a method may provide moisture-wickingproperties extending along a surface of the elastic tubular liner not incontact with the glove and the first layer when folded over. In somemethods, the elastic tubular liner may provide antimicrobial propertiesalong a length of the liner surface which in use, is in direct contactwith a user's skin. Another method may provide anatomical support for ahand received within the hand support. In an aspect, the hand supportmay engage the knuckles of a hand received within to provide knucklepadding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particularembodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions ofthe specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals areused to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub-label isassociated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similarcomponents. When reference is made to a reference numeral withoutspecification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to allsuch multiple similar components.

FIG. 1 is a dorsal perspective view of the hand wrap of the presentdisclosure in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a palmar perspective view of the hand wrap of the presentdisclosure in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a dorsal perspective view of the hand wrap dressed and readyto receive a glove, in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the hand wrap underyling a glove, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the hand wrap underlying a glove anddemonstrating a fold-over portion of the compression sleeve over theglove, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a palmar perspective view of the hand support structure of thepresent disclosure in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a dorsal perspective view of the hand support structure of thepresent disclosure in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section cutout of the hand support structure of thepresent disclosure in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, dimensions reaction conditions and so forth used in thespecification and claims are to be understood as being modified in allinstances by the term “about”.

In this application and the claims, the use of the singular includes theplural unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, use of “or”means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Moreover, the use of the term“including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”,is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompassboth elements and components comprising one unit and elements andcomponents that comprise more than one unit unless specifically statedotherwise.

FIG. 1 is a dorsal perspective view of the hand wrap 100 of the presentdisclosure. The hand wrap 100 comprises a hand support 105 operativelyassociated with an elastic tubular liner 110, otherwise known as a“compression sleeve”. The hand support 105 may have knuckle padding 125on the dorsal side of the hand. In some embodiments, the hand support105 may have finger apertures 115 and a thumb aperture 120. The elastictubular liner 110 comprises an opening 130 at one end of the liner.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the hand support 105 is wornover an athlete's hand. The hand support 105 is anatomically shaped andmay comprise a plurality of finger apertures 115 and a thumb aperture120 such that with the hand support 105 worn over the hand, the fingersand thumb are substantially exposed. The anatomical shape retained bythe hand support 105 allows the hand support 105 to be convenientlyslipped on. In some embodiments, the hand support 105 may provideknuckle padding 125 on the dorsal side of the hand along the knuckles ofa hand received therein. The knuckle padding 125 may be comprised ofsimilar soft material used in the hand support 105, or in someembodiments, the knuckle padding 125 may comprise other materials, suchas, and merely by way of example, gel knuckle padding (See 500 in FIG.5). Detailed embodiments relating to the structure of the hand support105 are described further in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7.

Further illustrated in FIG. 1, the elastic tubular liner 110 receivesthe athlete's arm in a compressive, tight fit as shown. The length ofthe elastic tubular liner 110 may, in some embodiments, extend beyondthe wrist region of the hand support 105. In some embodiments, theelastic tubular liner opening 130 may extend to an area of the upper armor elbow area, as shown in the present illustration. The elastic tubularliner 110 receives the arm through the opening 130, whereupon the arm isslipped into the elastic tubular liner 110 for a compressive fit. Theelastic tubular liner 110 compresses the entire region of the armreceived therein from the opening 130 to a portion of the wrist and handarea received within the hand support 105. A second opening (see 215 inFIG. 2) of the elastic tubular liner 110 near the hand support 105allows a portion of the hand to emerge from the compressive forces andcontinue to be inserted into the hand support 105, substantially asdescribed above. In other embodiments, the elastic tubular liner 110extends further into a portion of the hand support 105, underlying aportion of the hand support 105.

The elastic tubular liner 110 may comprise a variety of features. In anaspect, the elastic tubular liner 110 compressively receives a portionof an arm as a compression garment. The compression fitting maycontribute to enhanced muscle support and increased circulation of thehand and arm. Additionally, compression may provide injury protection,style and a good fit which may enhance athletic performance.

In some embodiments, the elastic tubular liner 110 comprisesmoisture-wicking material (see 410, FIG. 4B), such as, and merely by wayof example, water resistant polyester or an integrated cotton skin. Themoisture-wicking material 410 may extend throughout the entire length ofthe elastic tubular liner 110 and, in some embodiments, further as alayer within the hand support 105. In some instances, themoisture-wicking material 410 may be primarily focused on a fold-overportion of the elastic tubular liner 110, providing an exposed sweatband when folded over in use. In other embodiments, the elastic tubularliner 110 may comprise antimicrobial material or lining (see 220, FIG.2) extending throughout the entire length of the elastic tubular liner110 and further into the hand support 105. The elastic tubular liner 110might comprise a combination of both the moisture-wicking material 410and the antimicrobial material 220.

In some embodiments, the elastic tubular liner 110, moisture-wickingmaterial 410 and antimicrobial material 220 may be assembled such thatthe elastic tubular liner 110 comprises a durable exterior andintegrated moisture-wicking material 410, such as, and merely by way ofexample, an interwoven moisture-wicking layer 410. Further, in someembodiments, the elastic tubular liner 110 may comprise, wholly orpartially, an antimicrobial material 220 or liner, interwoven or lininga portion of the elastic tubular liner 110. In other aspects, theelastic tubular liner 110, antimicrobial material 220, andmoisture-wicking material 410 may comprise any combination of materials,such as, and merely by way of example, polyester, elastane, nylon,spandex, doralstan, lycra, thin stretch polyamide, microfiber, cotton,stretch construction, or any combination of these materials or othermaterials or knits having lightweight and resilient properties that maybe designed for long-term wear in sports and training. The elastictubular liner 110 may comprise a variety of different fabrics and knits,lending to different levels of compression throughout the liner 110.Furthermore, the elastic tubular liner 110 may have breathable meshpanels, slits, or other apertures and designs contributing to abreathable and lightweight surface.

FIG. 2 is a palmar perspective view of the hand wrap 100 of the presentdisclosure. The hand wrap 100 comprises a hand support 105 having anopen palm 210 operatively associated with an elastic tubular liner 110having an opening 130, a second opening 215, and an antimicrobial lining220. The hand support 105 may provide a hand grip 200 on a palmar sideof the hand support 105. A hand strap 205 and loop 225 may beoperatively associated with the hand support 105.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the hand grip 200 may beconfigured to rest across a width of a palmar portion of a hand,particularly in an area underneath the knuckles as illustrated in FIG.2. In some instances, the hand grip 200 may be composed of similarmaterials as the hand support 105. In other embodiments, the hand grip200 comprises layers of soft materials for padding, such as cotton, gel,or nylons, or other soft material configured to provide grip for theknuckles and support the compression of a first from inside the firstwhen formed. Interior support from the hand grip 200 may preventinjuries related to over-compression when striking an object, therebyprotecting the hand from breakages and sprains. The hand grip 200combined with the open palm design 210 of the hand support 105 allows arange of flexibility for a hand received within, including forming afull, tight first around the hand grip 200, and further with the openpalm design 210, allowing a hand to lay open and flat for convenientlyremoving or putting on additional dressings, such as gloves and tapes.

FIG. 2 further shows an embodiment of the hand wrap 100 comprising ahand strap 205 that may be located at an overlapping section of the handsupport 105 and the elastic tubular liner 110. The hand strap 205 in itsundressed state may be a long cloth material with elastic properties,wherein one end is operatively associated with the hand support 105 andthe other end is attachable by hook and loop Velcro™ means, such thatafter substantially wrapping the hand, the remaining end of the handstrap 205 is inserted through the loop 225, and folded back over theloop 225 to secure, e.g. via a hoop and hook fastener such as Velcro™the hand strap 205 around the wrist and upper arm portion received bythe hand support 105. In some embodiments, the loop 225 may comprisecanvas, rope, synthetics or other strip of durable, tough material. Inother embodiments, the loop 225 may comprise the same material as thehand strap 205. The loop 225 may be attached to the hand support 105 atboth ends of the loop 225 with sewn string, glue, or other meanssecurely fastening the loop 225 to the hand support 105. An openingbetween the secured ends of the loop 225 allows the hand strap 205 to beinserted. Dressed properly around the hand support 105, the hand strap205 may provide additional support and protection to a hand receivedtherein, as well as securing means for holding the hand support 105 inplace.

FIG. 3 is a dorsal perspective view of the hand wrap 100 ready toreceive a glove. The hand support 105 is shown underneath the hand strap205. The elastic tubular liner 110 compressively receives a portion ofthe lower arm. FIG. 3 depicts the hand strap 205 fully wrapped andsecured around the hand support 105.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of the hand wrap 100 underlying aglove 400 having a glove opening 405. FIG. 4A depicts the elastictubular liner 110 with opening 130 underlying the glove 400. FIG. 4Bdepicts the elastic tubular liner 110 folded over the glove 400 andexposing moisture wicking material, also known as a sweat band 410.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the hand wrap 100 receives aglove 400 over the hand support 105 (hidden) and a portion of theelastic tubular liner 110. The length of the elastic tubular liner 110is sufficient to extend beyond the glove opening 405, and in some cases,may extend the opening 130 to an upper portion of the arm as shown.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the elastic tubular liner 110is folded over an end portion of the glove 400 defining the gloveopening 405 (see 405, FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, the opening 130 ofthe elastic tubular liner 110 may be received securely in a creasecharacteristic of the glove 400. The fold-over depicted in FIG. 4Billustrates a dual layer of compression fabric, wherein the portion ofelastic tubular liner 110 under the glove 400 and in contact with theskin defines a first layer of compression, and the second fold-overportion overlapping the glove 400 defines a second layer of compression.The second layer of compression fabric of the elastic tubular liner 110compressively receives an end portion of the glove 400, securing theglove 400 to the athlete's hand and arm. In some embodiments, the secondlayer of the elastic tubular liner 110 may provide a sweat band 410comprising moisture-wicking materials, such as, and merely by way ofexample, an integrated cotton skin, water resistant polyester,synthetics, nylons, lycra, terry, and other materials withmoisture-wicking properties. Additionally, the second layer of theelastic tubular liner 110 serves to create a smooth surface over theglove 400, which may cover rough surfaces, such as Velcro™ or lacescharacteristic to the glove 400 and thereby improve equipment safety bypreventing abrasions.

FIG. 5 is a palmar perspective view of the structure of the hand support105. The hand support 105 comprises gel knuckle padding 500 embedded insoft foam knuckles 525. The soft foam knuckles 525 are operativelyassociated with a soft foam body 515 underlying a layer of dense foambody 505. The hand support 105 may comprise a horse-shoe side splint 520having elastic corners 510 and wrapping around a perimeter of the softfoam body 515 and knuckles. Further, the hand support 105 may comprise athumb support 530.

Directly lining the dorsum of a hand along the metacarpal bones is thedense foam body 505 comprising a layer of thick, dense foam to preventthe metacarpal bones from snapping or flexing when striking an objectwith the fist. The dense foam body 505 may extend from a top edge of theknuckles to a wrist, thereby lining the entire length of the underlyingmetacarpal bones from knuckles to wrist. The dense foam body 505 may beattached, by glue or other binding means, to a thin, soft foam body 515covering a larger area and forming a wrist portion of the hand support105. The soft foam body 515 provides support and flexibility at thewrist, and a means for securing the dense foam body 505 in place abovethe dorsum. In some embodiments, the soft foam body 515 may be of auniform thickness throughout (e.g. ⅛ inch), and in other embodiments,the soft foam body 515 may have variable thicknesses throughout. Thedense foam body 505 may be a thicker layer and smaller layer of foamconcentrated primarily above the metacarpal bones. In other embodiments,the hand support 105 may comprise additional multiple layers of foam ofvariable thicknesses and flexibility.

FIG. 5 further shows a layer of gel knuckle padding 500 embedded in alayer of soft foam knuckles 525. The gel knuckle padding 500 maycomprise a rectangular strip of gel concentrated in a region surroundingthe knuckles, such that shocks from impact are absorbed and dispersed,thereby reducing risk of injury from striking. The gel knuckle padding500 is embedded in a layer of soft foam knuckles 525 concentrated over alarger area of the knuckles. In some embodiments, the soft foam knuckles525 comprises the same material as the soft foam body 515, and further,may be manufactured from the same cut. In other embodiments, the softfoam body 515 may comprise multiple layers of foam. The soft foamknuckles 525 may be thicker than the gel knuckle padding 500, such as,and merely by way of example, ½ inch thick for the soft foam knuckles525 and ¼ inch thick for the gel knuckle padding 500. In some aspects,the soft foam knuckles 525 are indented to receive the shape of the gelknuckle padding 500 within.

FIG. 5 shows a thumb support 530 covering, in some embodiments, both adorsal and joint portion of the thumb. The thumb support 530 may belargely rectangular shaped and comprise a hard dense foam to preventinjury, such as dislocations, to a thumb. In some embodiments, the densefoam of the thumb support 530 may be manufactured from, or an extensionof, the same material as the dense foam body 505. Merely by way ofexample, the dense foam for the thumb support 530 may be approximately ¼inch thick, and bound or glued to other foam layers of the hand support105, such as the soft foam body 515 or horse-shoe side splint 520.

In FIG. 5, the horse-shoe side splint 520, also known as a “fistcompressor” comprises a strip of durable material wrapping aroundregions defining the left and right sides of a hand, and around thefront of the knuckles. The horse-shoe side splint 520 further compriseselastic corners 510, such that the splint 520 compresses the metacarpalbones of a first to prevent flexing or snapping of the bones duringimpact. The elastic corners 510 also allow for universal fitting of thehand support 105, as the width of the horse-shoe 520 may be stretched tofit different hand widths. In some embodiments, the horse-shoe sidesplint 520 may comprise durable, canvas-like material adhered to theperimeter of the soft foam body 515 and dense foam body 505. In anotheraspect, the horse-shoe side splint 520 may be bound or glued to thethumb support 530.

FIG. 6 is a dorsal perspective view of the structure of the hand support105. The hand support 105 is received on a hand, with the soft foam body515 and dense foam body 505 (hidden) resting on a dorsal portion of thehand. The soft foam body 515 extends to cover a portion of the wrist toprovide wrist support. The thumb support 530 protects a portion of thethumb and joint by securing to a portion of the foam body attached tothe horse-shoe side splint 520. The horse-shoe side splint 520 wrapsaround a perimeter of the hand support 105 and comprises elastic corners510 allowing the width of the hand support 105 to mold to the shape ofthe hand. The soft foam knuckles 525 rest over a portion of the knucklesand fingers to provide cushioning during impact.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cross-section cutout of thehand support 105 for a section of the hand support 105 situated againsta dorsal portion of a hand. The hand support 105 structure may comprisean outer covering 700 of dense material, such as a soft canvas fabricand/or waterproof polyester. Underneath the outer covering 700 is thesoft foam body 515 extending from the knuckles and wrist portion of thehand support 105. Underlying the soft foam body 515 is a layer of thick,dense foam forming a dense foam body 505 concentrated on the dorsum of ahand. In some embodiments, the elastic tubular liner 110 may extendthroughout a portion of the hand support 105, underlying the soft foambody 515 and the dense foam body 505. In some embodiments, the elastictubular liner 110 may contact the dorsal surface of a hand. Some layersshown in FIG. 7 may be adhered together during manufacture, and otherlayers may simply be secured by compression forces. In some embodiments,the hand support 105 may comprise additional layers, combinations, andarrangements of foams, such as, and merely by way of example, the densefoam body 505 sandwiched between two layers of soft foam body 515, orthe soft foam body 515 underlying the dense foam body 505.

Various embodiments of the disclosure could also include permutations ofthe various elements recited in the claims as if each dependent claimwas a multiple dependent claim incorporating the limitations of each ofthe preceding dependent claims as well as the independent claims. Suchpermutations are expressly within the scope of this disclosure.

The description of the various embodiments has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limiting of the invention or the claims thereto to theform disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment described and shownin the figures was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention, the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. All references cited herein areincorporated in their entirety by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand wrap for underlying a glove, the hand wrapcomprising: a hand support having a hand grip configured to engage thefirst of a hand received therein, the hand grip further being configuredto contact with a palmar width directly underside the knuckles of a handabutting the support; and an elastic tubular liner operativelyassociated with the hand support, the elastic tubular liner having alength sufficient to extend beyond an opening of a glove receiving thehand support and the tubular liner, the tubular liner defining a firstlayer within the glove and folding over as a second layer, wherein thesecond layer overlaps an end portion of the glove defining the openingand sandwiches the end portion of the glove between the first and secondlayers.
 2. The hand wrap of claim 1, wherein the hand support furthercomprises a plurality of finger apertures and a thumb aperture.
 3. Thehand wrap of claim 1, wherein the hand support is substantiallyanatomically shaped, the anatomical shaping configured to securely fitover a portion of a hand received therein.
 4. The hand wrap of claim 1,wherein the second layer of the elastic tubular liner further comprisesmoisture-wicking material along a surface of the layer not in contactwith the glove and the first layer when folded over.
 5. The hand wrap ofclaim 4, wherein the moisture-wicking material is an integrated cottonskin.
 6. The hand wrap of claim 1, further comprising a hand strapoperatively associated with the hand wrap, wherein with the hand strapwrapped around and secured to a portion of the hand wrap, the hand wrapis forcibly attached to a hand received therein.
 7. The hand wrap ofclaim 1, wherein the elastic tubular liner further comprisesantimicrobial material along a length of the liner surface which in use,is in direct contact with a user's skin.
 8. The hand wrap of claim 1,wherein the hand support further comprises a gel knuckle pad configuredto engage the knuckles of a hand received in the hand wrap.
 9. The handwrap of claim 1, wherein the hand support further comprises at least onelayer of foam configured to extend along a dorsal surface of a handreceived therein.
 10. The hand wrap of claim 1, wherein the hand supportfurther comprises a horseshoe side splint with elastic cornersconfigured to extend along a dorsal surface of a hand received therein,the splint having two ends lining either side of the hand, each enddivided by a width of the hand received therein.
 11. The hand wrap ofclaim 1, wherein the hand support further comprises an open palmconfigured to expose a palmar surface of a hand received therein. 12.The hand wrap of claim 1, wherein the hand support further comprises athumb support configured to extend along a portion of the thumb andjoint.
 13. A method for protecting a hand and wrist received within ahand wrap for underlying a glove, comprising: providing a hand supportand elastic tubular liner operatively associated with the hand support;engaging a first of a hand received within the hand support with a handgrip in contact with a palmar width directly underside the knuckles ofthe hand abutting the support; compressively receiving a portion of anarm in the elastic tubular liner as a first layer; folding over theelastic tubular liner as a second layer overlapping the first layer; andcompressively receiving and overlapping an end portion of the glove withthe second layer, wherein the end portion of the glove defining theopening is sandwiched between the first and second layers.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the second layer of the elastic tubularliner further provides moisture-wicking properties along a surface ofthe liner not in contact with the glove and the first layer when foldedover.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the hand support furtherprovides anatomically supportive structures for a hand received therein.16. The method of claim 13, wherein the elastic tubular liner furtherprovides antimicrobial properties along a length of the liner surfacewhich in use, is in direct contact with a user's skin.
 17. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the hand support further provides gel padded knucklesconfigured to engage the knuckles of a hand received in the hand wrap.18. A method for protecting a hand and wrist received within a hand wrapfor underlying a glove, comprising: providing a hand support having ahand grip configured to engage a first of a hand received therein, thehand grip further being configured to contact a palmar width directlyunderside the knuckles of the hand abutting the support; and operativelyassociating an elastic tubular liner with the hand support, wherein theelastic tubular liner comprises dual compression layers having a firstlayer receiving a portion of an arm, and a second layer configured tofold over and overlap an end portion of the glove defining the openingand sandwiching the end portion of the glove between the first andsecond layers, wherein the second layer further comprisesmoisture-wicking properties along a surface of the liner not in contactwith the glove and the first layer when folded over.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the hand support further provides anatomicallysupportive structures for a hand received therein.
 20. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the hand support further provides gel padded knucklesconfigured to engage the knuckles of a hand received in the hand wrap.